Money vs Horsepower

Hughes drop in lifters will work. You don't have to but it doesn't hurt (as long as the oil holes are put in them). I have the Hughes drop in hyd roller lifters with no problems.

Now as far as the auto tranny limit Rpms, it's all about what you're doing with it. Seeing how mine is a setup for street use, I don't need a drag tranny with shift points at 9000 that's just stupid and a waste of fuel, not saying that there is a time a place for them but for the most not needed. It also helps that my e-curve dizzy is set at 6500.